Ordering a Cremation Urn Online: Container Fit, Timing and Delivery
Buying a cremation urn independently allows a family to choose something more personal than the limited range available through a funeral provider. It can also raise some practical questions: Will the crematorium container fit? Do the ashes need to be transferred? How much time should be allowed for preparation and delivery?
These matters are usually straightforward, provided they are checked before ordering.
## Can You Purchase an Urn Independently?
In most cases, families may purchase a cremation urn directly from a maker or supplier rather than through the funeral home or crematorium.
A funeral provider can usually place the crematorium container into the chosen urn or accept an urn delivered on the family’s behalf. Procedures can differ, so it is sensible to confirm arrangements with the funeral director if the urn is required for a service or will be delivered directly to them.
When ordering independently, the two most important details are the size of the crematorium container and the date by which the urn is required.
## Crematorium Containers Are Not All the Same Size
Cremated remains are normally returned in a sealed plastic or rigid temporary container. The dimensions of that container can vary between crematoria and between Australian states.
A Cut Above Woodworking makes its standard human urns to accommodate two commonly supplied containers:
* the blue container used by the Perth Metropolitan Cemeteries Board; and
* the grey rigid container commonly used elsewhere in Australia.
Selecting the correct option allows the complete sealed container to be placed directly inside the timber urn.
Some crematoria use containers with different dimensions. This does not necessarily create a problem, but the size should be confirmed before the urn is prepared.
## What Measurements Are Needed?
If the supplied container is not the Perth MCB Blue or Australian National Grey container, measure its external:
* length;
* width; and
* height.
Measurements should include the lid, handles, clips or any other part that increases the overall size.
A photograph can also be helpful when the container has an unusual shape. Send the measurements to the workshop before ordering and we will confirm whether one of our standard internal sizes is suitable.
Where necessary, a different internal size may be prepared.
## Do the Ashes Need to Be Transferred?
Not when the complete crematorium container fits inside the urn.
ACAW human urns use a base-opening design. The secured base is removed, the sealed crematorium container is placed inside and the base is refitted using machine screws and threaded metal inserts.
This means the temporary container does not need to be opened and the ashes do not need to be handled or decanted.
If ashes have been supplied in a soft bag, cardboard box or another form of packaging, ask the funeral director or crematorium how they recommend transferring or containing them before placing them in a permanent urn.
Further information is available in our guide to [cremation urns and transferring ashes](https://www.acutabovewoodworking.com.au/transferring-ashes/).
## Allowing for Workshop Preparation
A solid timber urn is not simply taken from a warehouse shelf and placed in a carton.
Each ACAW urn is individually checked, prepared and hand-finished in our Maida Vale workshop before dispatch. The normal workshop preparation period is between one and five business days, depending on the design, timber selection and current workload.
If a funeral, memorial service or family gathering has already been arranged, provide the required date before ordering. We can then confirm whether the workshop preparation and freight timetable are realistic.
## Express Delivery and Required Dates
Tracked and insured express freight is included with ACAW human urns sent within Australia.
Express freight reduces transit time, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed substitute for planning. Delivery times vary by destination, and regional or remote addresses may require additional time.
For urgent orders, we can check the available freight services and confirm the most appropriate option before the urn leaves the workshop. In some circumstances, premium timed delivery services may also be available at additional cost.
The earlier the delivery date is known, the more confidently the order can be prepared and scheduled.
## Before Placing an Order
Three details remove most of the uncertainty:
1. Identify or measure the crematorium container.
2. Confirm where the urn is to be delivered.
3. Tell us the date by which it is required.
If any of these details are unclear, contact the workshop before ordering. We would rather confirm the fit and timing at the beginning than leave a family managing an avoidable problem close to a funeral or memorial date.
View our [solid timber human cremation urns](https://www.acutabovewoodworking.com.au/human-memorials/) or [contact the Maida Vale workshop](https://www.acutabovewoodworking.com.au/contact/) to confirm container sizing, timber availability or delivery timing.
